The Things We Like

Star Chefs is a fundraiser for arts education in Tacoma. Marking its 12th year, Star Chefs on Broadway: The Lalapazaza Speakeasy encourages guests to get hotsy-totsy and paint the town red as they whisper the password “Arts Education” and enter the glittering speakeasy. The event includes appetizers by Olympia’s Fish Brewing, Dirty Oscar’s Annex, Pacific Grill, with dessert from Corina Bakery. The event starts with a silent auction in the Pantages Theater lobby, featuring exclusive bottles of wine, gift baskets supplied by local businesses, and many more unique items. The theater, converted into an elegant 1920s dining hall, is where a four-course meal by Asado Grill will be served. The night will include performances from EnJoy Productions and Sister Kate, live jazz from Gail Pettis, as well as a grand live auction. Patrons are encouraged to come in their boas, bobs, fringe and fedoras. Tickets are $200. VIP tickets are $600 per couple. For information, visit BroadwayCenter.org or call (253) 591-5894.

MANY WAYS TO RIDE A BIKE

Tuesday, March 20, 6 p.m.

Black Kettle Bites and Brew, 744 Market St., #102b, Tacoma

Interested in trying a new type of biking? Not sure where to start? Velofems’ second conversation of 2018 will deal with all the different types of biking you can do. Come hear from ladies who do all kinds of riding and why they love their road/mountain/cross/commuter/spin bike. The event will start with a panel discussion and then allow plenty of time for one-on-one questions and answers so you can be sure to find your bike calling. As always, Velofems events remain open to all but are created as, and focus on being, a space for people who identify as women to share/discuss/ride together. For information, visit www.facebook.com/VeloFemmes.

AUTHOR READING

Wednesday, March 21, 6:30 p.m.

Tacoma Public Library, Main Branch, 1102 Tacoma Avenue South

Katrina Shawver of Phoenix, Arizona, a seasoned public speaker, journalist and now debut author will present on her new WWII nonfiction biography “Henry: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America” (Köehler Books, November 2017). Given the current worldwide attention on Poland, this book of a Catholic political prisoner who survived three years in Auschwitz and Buchenwald, has become exceptionally timely. Learn the Polish history and viewpoint of World War II and hear the story of an amazing survivor. For information visit KatrinaShawver.com.

MUD RUN

Saturday, March 24, 10 a.m.

Swan Creek Park, E. 42nd St. and E. Roosevelt Ave., Tacoma

Metro Parks’ Swan Creek Mud Run brings out the beast mode. Brave the muck and slog through this amazing obstacle course. This two-mile, family-friendly obstacle course has become a spring rite of passage for the 500-or-so regulars who take part annually. This year’s event is the fourth annual, featuring tried-and-true obstacles to test your mettle: hurdles, fences, walls, mazes, tire tosses and drags, dirt mounds and, of course, mud pits. Wallowing in the mud, it turns out, is something participants love to do. Obstacles are designed with both adults and children in mind. For example, while adults confront six- or eight-foot climbing walls, youngsters face four-footers. The two sizes are paired throughout the course. At the end of the race, stop in at the rinse-off station to loosen some of the mud before you wrap yourself in one of the big, white Mud Run towels given as souvenirs to all participants. For information, visit metroparkstacoma.org.

UNDERWATER EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Les Davis Marine Park, 3427 Ruston Way, Tacoma

Join Ocean Paradise Dive and Travel for the first annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt at Les Davis Marine Park. This will be a fun filled day that will include the aforementioned underwater Easter egg hunt, prizes (to include a grand prize for the participant who finds the golden egg) and a potluck style barbeque. Sign in between 9 and 10 a.m. to receive the rules. The hunt will begin at 11 a.m. Prizes will be handed out after the barbeque (approximately 2 p.m.). You must be present to claim your prize. For information, visit opdiveandtravel.com.